An interesting start to your review Gordon. I'm looking at these two and the Olympus xz1 as possibilities for a walkabout camera, so this is very relevant for me right now. Thanks. Looking forward to the full test.

There's something odd going on with the left edge of the vase in the ISO 1600 shot out of the S100 (it looks worse than in the ISO 3200 shot). Is that just "one of those things" or perhaps an issue with reproduction on the page?

Really good, useful review, as always Gordon. You are right - size matters and that's what brought me here in the first place. On the other hand, I can now buy the XZ-1 for £290. That's a good £100 less than the S100.

excellent review Gordon, part of me wished I had one, especially for the extra wide angle. The better high iso and longer zoom would be handy and the adjustable focus area does sound very interesting.
The improvements in video and GPs don`t worry me too much.
But realistically the S95 does a great job and for us its not worth upgrading.
Its been a little gem, its small size means we always have it with us.

How they can fit all this in such a small package is pretty amazing, I expect they will sell a truck load.

1. Does "forced off" mean that the flash can be disabled? I always try not to use flash - just my preference.

2. Don't know if you can answer this because you probably have perfect vision but the one thing that makes me hesitate about this and similar cameras is the lack of an adjustable optical viewfinder. My eyesight is no longer what it was. I need specs for reading - and for looking at the screens on the backs of these cameras, but not for anything else. How do people with similar eyesight get on with just working with the screen?

I have had a s100 since Christmas. The flash can be turned off. I have similar eyesight to you, warth man. I have only used point and shoot cameras and can cope well. The screen is bright enough to use without glasses. What happens is that you use your "glasses-less" vision to look at the subject and holding the camera at arms length or less depending on your vision you can work the controls and see the information on screen. It works for me.

As usual you've produced a detailed and informative review, nice one. Do you have any plans on making a video review of this camera? I'd like to see how it looks in the hand and how easy the small function buttons are to use with big paws (like me). I really fancy this camera and think it could well be the compact I've been waiting for.

Keep up the great work mate as this is still truly the best site for photographers.

No problem Gordon, I understand your feelings. Besides, there's some on Youtube I discovered after my post (although they're nowhere near as in-depth as your own ones). I think I'll probably take the plunge as soon as I can free up some funds. There's time's when I just can't be bothered lugging the SLR around, lol.